VG technology is CITEL’s exclusive and patented technology based on the use of specific types of Gas-filled spark gaps (GSG) in conjuntions with Metal oxide varistors (MOV). These components, the result of over 75 years of experience in the gas discharge tube field, have a behavior adapted to the power network and provide robustness and working stability: their association with varistors combines the advantages of both technologie.
CITEL originally developed the “VG” technology for low voltage Type 1 surge protectors and has then extended it to Type 2 surge protectors and to Photovoltaic applications.

1. Gas-filled-Spark Gap (GSG)

CITEL VG surge protectors are using specific gas discharge tubes: GSG. These essential components are the result of over 75 years of experience in the gas discharge tube field, are meant for power network and ensure a perfect electrical stability.

→ Increase reliability

2. Very low clamping level and high surge current capability

GSG are able to conduct very high surge currents (Iimp, Imax) with a very low residual voltage (Up). Such characteristics could only previously be reached with the combination of a Type 1 and a Type 2 surge protector.

VG surge protectors can handle very high TOV levels (Temporary over Voltage) up to 450Vac without any degradation to the level of protection.

→ Increased reliability for areas with unstable power networks

4. No follow current

Unlike to “Air Gap” technologies, “VG” Technology does not create any follow on current.
VG ->Increased service continuity (No tripping of the upstream overcurrent protection device (OCP) during surge events)

→ Improvement of the network quality (no power line disturbances)→ Easy selection

5. Robustness and reliability

All the components of the VG surge protector are designed to handle high impulse discharge currents without any assistance from auxiliary systems. On the contrary, the “Triggered Air Gap” technology includes a control circuit, using very low power components, which handle parts of the surge current. During some low amplitude, low voltage transients this weak circuit will handle the full amount of current and will eventually fail.

→ Increase reliability→ Better life expectancy

6. Safe disconnection and Device status signalization

VG surge protectors use a safe disconnection system and provide real-time status indication of internal components. For a “Triggered Air Gap” technology, the disconnection and signalization only can provide the status of the control circuit and not the main protection circuit.

→ Safe and efficient maintenance

7. No ageing

During normal operation, in addition to transient events, varistors are always conducting a small amount of current. This current is the result of working current (Ic) and leakage current (Ipe) and is due to the varistors connection to the grounding system. This type of conduction can be stressful to the varistor over time, especially in dc power systems, and cause the varistor to age prematurely.

→ Maximum life

8. Easier surge protection coordination

In the case of coordinated installations, the surge protector downstream a VG surge protector does not need any special consideration, such as a sufficient distance between locations, in order to ensure a working coordination between multiple SPDs. Note: due to its optimized protection level, the VG surge protector can be used without any additional surge protector